Grantman83

It's funny cause Dobyns rods are known to have some excellent glass rods yet Gary himself only uses graphite. It really does come down to preference. I have a 705cb graphite which I use for most stuff but a 765cb glass for deep divers. When the bait is really deep and far away, I feel the glass helps keep them pinned for the long ride back lol. Furthermore, the glass helps compensate for the fluorocarbon I use to get extra depth. With the 705cb, I use mono to compensate for the graphite.

KVD 2.5 with Upgraded mustad hooks. Close second is the Xcalibur x75.

Well you didn't specify a price, I merely mentioned what I use. Also, I not a tourney guy but I am a leisure fisherman. Lastly, zillions can be had for much than their MSRP which isn't $500 anyways. I see used but great shape zillions going for between $150-200. If you want some suggestions for a lower price. I would go with 1. Lews super duty 2. Lews tournament Mg 3. Revo Stx 4. Daiwa Tatula 5. Shimano Chronarch E All of these are moderately priced, have high gear ratio options and a strong drag

I had some packs of the flapping bug and Couldn't stand them. They are so wide that they don't go through cover very well and they weighed a ton. Seriously they must have been almost 3/4 each.

Lol I always keep an eye out. I made my original 4 packs last almost two years. Though this thread is offering some good suggestions I will have to try at one time or another

1. Zillion Type R 2. Zillion 50th Anniversary edition 3. Daiwa T3 high Speed

Hawgtech just started doing custom anodizing for various parts and it is much cheaper than several of the above options. I just sent 4 parts down to get done in various colors.

She visited me as well. Dx 746 and dx 704. She seems to be very busy during the winter

I use bobber stops from eagle claw though I may change because sometimes I have to use two to make sure the weight doesn't move. I really miss the tru-tungsten stops that were custom fit to their weights. Those things were solid

Unfortunately this is exactly what I meant.

Powell also released rods with insert less guides. I wonder is this is the new trend in affordability.

Again. I see people discounting those who spend a lot of money as ridiculous or dumb. First, none of those who spend a lot on reels claimed that those who don't aren't getting enjoyment out of fishing. It is understood that you enjoy fishing even with a zebco etc so there is no need to ram that point home whenever somebody says they enjoy more expensive stuff. Second, there are many fisherman here who may not spend a ton on gear, but may direct it to other hobbies such as cars, guns, hunting etc. Would I claim that spending money for a better gun, better additions towards fixing up a car or the best hunting equipment are wasting their money or are dumb? Absolutely not because I understand that certain people prefer to spend their money in different areas even if I wouldn't. My father has spent large amounts on high prices watches and model Indy cars both of which I have no interest in. But you know what, it makes him happy. Don't be so quick to judge others as foolish or wasteful when others would make the same judgement on you. Rant over

Don't forget that a long rod combined with a split grip will be even more tip heavy. If you can, try and find a full handle rod just to help with balance

I disliked both the grip and reel seat on the ***. As far as rating and sensitivity they were outstanding, just the handle wasn't right for me. Same reason why I didn't like the tatula, it's preference

Plain and simple enjoy the reel. I've spent boatloads of cash upgrading and customizing reels to my preference. It's no different than people who tinker and play with their cars, motorcycles, guns etc. I get outfished all the time by guys with lesser equipment. Doesn't change the fact that I love having higher end, customized and custom painted stuff. It just makes the experience more enjoyable for me and in the end isn't that what fishing is all about?

Ha I do prefer full grips on baitcasters. Now I do have some split grips but that was when I thought lighter was better. Since then, if given a choice, I go full grip. The balance is better for me and I prefer the feel.

I like split grip for spinning rods honestly. I have the dx 702 split grip and it's awesome

When they say Medium Fast, they are saying a Medium power with a fast action. I would assume that the power would be dependent on the size of what treble lure you are throwing. I throw bigger stuff on a MH or even a H depending on size.

Well I just put my first order in. 4 parts on the way lol. I feel like a guinea pig since I bought the swept handles as soon as they were available and now I'm getting these done as soon as they are an option. I will update when I get them...oh man am I excited

Dobyns champion. You won't regret it

A veritas 7'6 medium heavy is around 100 and will have a ton of backbone. It's abit tip heavy but a heavier reel will balance it out for you.

Palomar knot and leave a long tag end. Then take the tag end and run it back through the eye of the hook. This will turn the hook tip up. Tie weight to bottom of tag end.

I have broken several guides by mistake and Richard sent me new ones free of charge in evey case. He even called me back to make sure the color was the same (as the guides had been both gun metal and stainless steel colored) so the match would be perfect. Customer for life

Halo has had reels out for awhile. They just aren't carried by TW lol. Also Zombie rods was rumored to come out with a reel too